Process development tests generally use a series of tests to establish the grind size, a reagent series and/or a cleaner series (regrind) to characterize ore response. Locked cycle tests can then be run to recirculate water and intermediate products. Our laboratory has had extensive experience with different mineral separation procedures. Frequently, non-selective bulk sulfide flotation tests are used to recover precious metals that can be associated with pyrite or other sulfides. Gravity pre-concentration can also be incorporated into the test program. Selective flotation tests can be conducted to separate different mineral combinations such as copper from pyrite or copper from molybdenum. Other mineral separations that have been conducted at our laboratory are: copper-lead-zinc-pyrite, silver-lead-zinc-pyrite, silver from sulfosalts, enargite-pyrite, lead-zinc-pyrrhotite, nickel-pyrrhotite and cobalt-pyrrhotite. Bench scale flotation tests can also target the recovery of industrial minerals such as cassiterite, potash, phosphates, talc, barite, coal, resin-coal and tar sands

Gravity concentration testing

Gravity concentration can be conducted by hand panning (for smaller samples) or by using a Diester ¼ deck shaking table. A Mozley mineral separator is also available with two (2) decks, a "V" deck and a slimes deck. A larger scale cylindrical Mozley multi gravity separator (MGS) can also be set up. We also have a laboratory Knelson Bowl type gravity concentrator.

Sample preparation

Sample preparation is conducted by FLSmidth's experienced team of technicians. FLSmidth's Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories technicians apply their experience and attention to detail to every step of your sample testing. Our team prepares your samples with all of the equipment needed to ensure your accurate results.

Classification is routinely conducted by settling and decantation over an appropriate sized sieve screen. Other classification equipment includes: a three (3) inch cyclone-pump-and sump combination as well as a half inch cyclone for ultra fine desliming applications. Wet screening laboratory test products or plant samples are routinely conducted for mineralogical, metallurgical or Qem-Scan evaluations. Sized fractions can also be gravity concentrated using a Mozley table with a slimes deck in preparation for release analyses.

SAGDesign Testing

FLSmidth's Dawson Metallurgical Laboratories in association with the SAG Design Consulting Group offers SAGDESIGN test work and consulting. The new SAGDESIGN test is perfomed using a specially designed laboratory SAG mill and uses 7 to 9 kg (depending on ore specific gravity) of minus 38mm ore. The SAG product is then used as feed to a Bond ball mill work index test. The combined results are used to determine the SAG (or AG) and ball millenergy requirements.

Starkey and Associates is available for on site consulting and sample collection. They are premier engineers in SAG design and operation. They are well known for as the developers of the SAG Power Index. They are also well known for their contributions to new plant design and existing plant expansions or modifications.